What languages are spoken in Taiwan by the Taiwanese? 12 Aug 2024, 6:14 am

At LEXIGO, we’re passionate about the power of language to connect cultures and communities. So today, we’re thrilled to take you through one of East Asia’s most fascinating linguistic landscapes: Taiwan.

As one of the most densely populated countries in the world, Taiwan’s rich history and diverse ethnic groups have created a unique blend of languages that reflect its complex cultural heritage. In-depth, we’ll cover the languages spoken in Taiwan, their historical context, and their current status.

Executive Summary: Taiwan’s Languages

Taiwan’s linguistic diversity is a testament to its complex history and multicultural society. The island’s rich history has led to developing and preserving several distinct languages and dialects.

While Mandarin Chinese stands as the most commonly spoken language and serves as the official language of the Republic of China (Taiwan’s official name)—it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hosting a variety of languages that have evolved through centuries of cultural exchange, colonisation, and migration.

Taiwan’s main languages include:

⬤ #1 Taiwanese Mandarin (Chinese)
⬤ #2 Taiwanese Hokkien
⬤ #3 Hakka Chinese and;
⬤ #4 Formosan languages: various indigenous Austronesian languages.

Language	Language variation	Percentage of home use
Taiwanese Mandarin		83.5%
Taiwanese Hokkien		81.9%
Hakka Chinese		6.6%
Formosan languages		1.4%
	Amis
	Atayal
	Bunun
	Kanakanavu
	Kavalan
	Paiwan
	Puyuma
	Rukai
	Saaroa
	Saisiyat
	Sakizaya
	Seediq
	Thao
	Truku
	Tsou
	Tao
Taiwan sign language		<1%
Matsu dialect		<1%
Wuqiu dialect		<1%

Each of these languages has its own unique characteristics and cultural significance. Traditional Chinese characters are used as the standard writing system for Mandarin and other Chinese languages in Taiwan, distinguishing them from the simplified characters used in mainland China.

Taiwan’s linguistic landscape has been shaped by various historical periods, including the Qing Dynasty, Japanese rule, and the post-World War II era. This has resulted in diverse influences on Taiwan’s languages, including elements from Japanese and even some European languages.

Today, while Mandarin is the dominant language in official contexts and everyday life, especially in urban areas and among the younger generation, there’s a growing movement to preserve and promote Taiwan’s other languages. This diversity in language is an integral part of Taiwan’s cultural heritage and continues to play a critical role in shaping the island’s identity.

Understanding this linguistic complexity is crucial for anyone looking to engage with Taiwan’s culture, society, or business environment.

In the full version of the article below, we’ll explore each of Taiwan’s languages in more detail, examining their origins, current status, and the efforts being made to ensure their continued use and preservation.

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#1 Taiwanese Mandarin: The Lingua Franca

Standard Mandarin, often called Standard Chinese, is the dominant language in Taiwan today. It’s the language of official documents, education, and media. However, Mandarin is spoken in Taiwan and has its own unique flavour, distinct from that spoken in mainland China or Hong Kong.

One notable difference is the use of traditional Chinese characters in the writing system, as opposed to the simplified characters used in the People’s Republic of China.

This contrasts the common practice of associating spoken Mandarin with written Simplified Chinese and spoken Cantonese with written Traditional Chinese.

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#2 Taiwanese Hokkien

The Taiwanese language, also known as Taiwanese Hokkien, is vital to Taiwan’s linguistic landscape. As a native tongue for many Taiwanese people, especially in rural areas, it plays an essential role in everyday life and local culture.

While its usage has declined among younger generations due to the prevalence of Mandarin in education, there’s a growing movement to preserve this critical piece of Taiwan’s cultural heritage.

Taiwanese Hokkien is a variant of Southern Min Chinese that was brought to Taiwan by immigrants from China’s Fujian province centuries ago.

Over time, it has evolved distinctly from other Hokkien dialects, incorporating elements from Japanese and indigenous Formosan languages. This unique development reflects Taiwan’s complex history, resulting in a language deeply intertwined with Taiwanese identity.

Despite the dominance of Taiwanese Mandarin in official and educational settings, Taiwanese Hokkien remains widely used in informal contexts, particularly among older generations and in southern Taiwan. It’s the language of traditional markets, local temples, and cultural expressions, including Taiwanese opera and puppet theatre.

Many Taiwanese people, even those primarily speaking Mandarin, maintain some fluency in Taiwanese Hokkien, switching between the two languages depending on the social context.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Taiwanese Hokkien, particularly among younger Taiwanese seeking to reconnect with their cultural roots.

This has led to increased efforts to promote the language, including its inclusion in school curricula, the production of Taiwanese-language media, and even the development of Taiwanese-language input methods for digital devices. These initiatives aim to ensure that Taiwanese Hokkien remains a living, evolving language relevant to future generations of Taiwanese people.

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#3 Hakka Chinese: The Language of the Taiwanese Hakka People

Hakka Chinese, spoken by the Hakka people, is another significant language in Taiwan. Hakka speakers have played an important role in Taiwan’s history and continue contributing to its diverse cultural tapestry.

Like Taiwanese, Hakka faces challenges in transmission to younger people, but efforts are being made to preserve this distinct language.

Both Taiwanese and Hakka face challenges in the modern era.

While they remain essential in many aspects of everyday life, particularly among the older generation, there’s a growing concern about their transmission to younger people. However, recent years have seen increased efforts to promote these languages through educational programs and cultural initiatives.

These initiatives include the introduction of indigenous language education programs in schools with significant Indigenous populations, the creation of dictionaries and teaching materials for Formosan languages, and the offering of courses in Formosan languages at some universities, promoting academic study and preservation.

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#4 Aboriginal/Formosan Languages in Taiwan: Small but Significant

Taiwan’s aboriginal peoples, who belong to the Austronesian language family, speak various indigenous languages known collectively as Formosan languages.

These languages are not just a small part of Taiwan’s linguistic landscape; they represent a crucial link to the island’s ancient past and the rich cultural heritage of its indigenous peoples.

The Formosan languages are of particular interest to linguists and anthropologists worldwide. They are considered the oldest branches of the Austronesian language family, spanning a vast geographic area from Madagascar to Easter Island and from Taiwan to New Zealand.

This has led many scholars to propose Taiwan as the potential origin point for all Austronesian languages.

Currently, there are approximately 16 recognised Formosan languages, although some linguists argue that this number could be higher if particular dialects are classified as separate languages.

Some of the more widely spoken Formosan languages include:

⬤ Amis: The language of the Amis people, the largest indigenous group in Taiwan.
⬤ Atayal: Spoken by the Atayal people in Taiwan’s northern and central regions.
⬤ Bunun: The language of the Bunun people, known for its unique musical traditions.
⬤ Paiwan: Spoken by the Paiwan people in the southern parts of Taiwan.
⬤ Tsou: A language with few speakers, primarily in central Taiwan.

Despite their historical and cultural significance, these languages face significant challenges.

Urbanisation, the dominance of Mandarin in education and media, and the small populations of indigenous groups have all contributed to a decline in native speakers. Many Formosan languages are classified as endangered, with some having fewer than 10 native speakers remaining.

However, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of these languages in recent years to ensure they’re not added to a growing list of endangered languages.

The Taiwanese government has implemented various initiatives to support and revitalise Formosan languages:

⬤ The Indigenous Languages Development Act of 2017 granted official status to all indigenous languages.
⬤ Indigenous language education programs have been introduced in schools with significant indigenous populations.
⬤ Efforts are being made to document these languages, creating dictionaries and teaching materials.
⬤ Some universities now offer courses in Formosan languages, promoting academic study and preservation.

These preservation efforts are about more than maintaining linguistic diversity. For many Indigenous communities, their language is intrinsically linked to their cultural practices, traditional knowledge, and worldviews.

Preserving these languages is crucial for maintaining the distinct identities of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples and understanding the island’s pre-Chinese history.

While the number of fluent speakers remains small, younger generations of indigenous people are increasingly interested in reconnecting with their linguistic heritage.

This renewed interest, combined with official support and academic attention, offers hope for the future of these unique and historically significant languages.

These languages are links to Taiwan’s ancient past and continue to shape the island’s diverse cultural landscape today.

Understanding and appreciating the role of Formosan languages is essential for anyone seeking to fully comprehend Taiwan’s linguistic and cultural complexity.

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The Impact of History on Taiwan’s Spoken Languages

Taiwan’s complex linguistic situation is a result of its equally complex history. Each period, from the Qing Dynasty to Japanese rule and the post-World War II era, has left its mark on Taiwan’s languages.

Japanese Language Influence

The period of Japanese rule (1895-1945) significantly impacted Taiwan’s linguistic landscape. While no longer widely spoken, the Japanese language has left its mark on Taiwanese culture, particularly visible in the older generation and in certain aspects of daily life.

Even today, the influence of Japanese pop culture keeps the language relevant among young people.

European Languages Influence

European languages, mainly Dutch and Spanish, have also contributed to Taiwan’s linguistic history. While their influence is limited today, traces can still be found in specific place names and historical contexts.

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Taiwan Today

Today, Taiwan is home to a fascinating interplay of different languages and dialects. While Mandarin is undoubtedly the most spoken language, especially in the capital city of Taipei, local dialects and languages continue to thrive, particularly in rural areas.

Mandarin serves as a bridge between the older and younger generations. It’s the primary language of education and media, ensuring its position as the dominant language for the foreseeable future. However, this dominance has led to concerns about the preservation of other languages.

As Taiwan continues to engage with the global community, foreign languages, mainly English, are gaining importance.

Many young people in Taiwan are bilingual or multilingual, speaking Mandarin, their local language, and often English or another foreign language.

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The Future of Taiwan’s Languages

As we look to the future, Taiwan’s linguistic landscape continues to evolve. While challenges exist in preserving minority languages, there’s a growing awareness of the importance of diversity in language.

Taiwan’s languages are links to the island’s rich history, diverse cultures, and vibrant communities. As Taiwan continues to evolve in the 21st century, its linguistic diversity remains one of its greatest strengths, reflecting a society that values its heritage while looking confidently to the future.

From government initiatives to grassroots movements, efforts are being made to ensure that Taiwan’s rich linguistic heritage is preserved for future generations.

At LEXIGO, understanding the complex linguistic landscape of places like Taiwan is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication.

Whether you’re looking to engage with Taiwan’s vibrant market or simply fascinated by its rich linguistic diversity, we’re here to help you navigate this fascinating linguistic landscape. You can also read our guide on Translation Services to find out if translation is the right approach for you.

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To dive deeper in to the languages of this the region, check out the following articles:

⬤ Doing business in China and Chinese-speaking countries
⬤ Fast facts about Chinese social media

The post What languages are spoken in Taiwan by the Taiwanese? appeared first on LEXIGO.

The most common languages spoken in Australia 2024 1 Aug 2024, 1:38 pm

In an incredibly multicultural nation with a rich history of immigration, Australia is home to people who speak a variety of languages, have a diverse culture, and have a distinct identity. Australia is known for its linguistic diversity, with over 400 languages spoken across the country, including many Indigenous languages spoken by Indigenous Australians.

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Table of contents

• The top languages spoken in Australia
• A brief look at some of the most spoken languages
• The top 63 languages used by Government and Public Organisations
• Comparison between 2016 and 2021 census data
• 2024 and beyond: the future of languages in Australia

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The top languages spoken in Australia

Unsurprisingly, the English language takes the top spot as the most common language spoken at 18,303,662 speakers or 72% of Australia’s population of 25,422,788 and the time of the 2021 census.

Australian English is the national language of Australia and the most widely spoken language in the country. It is a variation of British English with unique slang and pronunciation. Nearly all Australians speak English, with most of the population being native speakers.

However, due to Australia’s very diverse society, languages other than English are spoken among Australia’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. You can learn more about CALD in this comprehensive guide here.

A good understanding of the most common languages spoken in Australian homes is vital for several reasons;

⬤ We better understand and appreciate our fellow Australians’ cultural diversity.

⬤ We can also broaden our horizons, improve our communication skills, and build new relationships by learning about other cultures.

⬤ Communication strategies can include producing more accessible content for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) audiences and cater for a truly diverse country.

⬤ In a commercial sense, it allows us to find new markets in CALD audiences.

⬤ It also ensures social cohesion by ensuring we target CALD audiences in significant messaging and other government communication efforts.

Now let’s look at Australia’s top 25 most commonly spoken languages (other than English).

Rank¹	Language	Number of speakers²,³
1	English	18,303,662 (72%)
2	Mandarin	685,274 (2.7%)
3	Arabic	367,159 (1.4%)
4	Vietnamese	320,758 (1.3%)
5	Cantonese	295,281 (1.2%)
6	Punjabi	239,033 (0.9%)
7	Greek	229,643 (0.9%)
8	Italian	228,042 (0.9%)
9	Hindi	197,132 (0.9%)
10	Spanish	171,370 (0.8%)
11	Nepali	133,068 (0.7%)
12	Tagalog	131,195 (0.5%)
13	Korean	115,531 (0.5%)
14	Urdu	111,873 (0.4%)
15	Tamil	95,404 (0.4%)
16	Filipino	90,853 (0.4%)
17	Sinhalese	85,869 (0.3%)
18	Gujarati	81,334 (0.3%)
19	Malayalam	78,738 (0.3%)
20	Indonesian	73,179 (0.3%)
21	Persian (excl. Dari)	72,498 (0.3%)
22	French	70,740 (0.3%)
23	German	70,247 (0.3%)
24	Bengali	70,116 (0.3%)
25	Portuguese	67,327 (0.3%)

¹ Rank after English which makes up 72% of the total population’s language spoken at home.

² Number of speakers based on languages spoken at home, which is a way of classifying an individual’s first language.

³ Percentage of Australia’s population who speak the language. Australia’s population at the time of the 2021 census was 25,422,788

The data is from the 2021 ABS census, the Australian government’s latest information on spoken languages.

Clearly, lots of different languages are spoken across the country.

The most interesting thing about this data is that it means 22.3% of the Australian population are NOT speaking English at home. This is far higher than most people expect, meaning that roughly a quarter of the country speaks a foreign language when at home.

(If you’re wondering why 72% and 22.3% don’t add up to 100%, that’s because 5.7% of the population didn’t state what language they spoke)

A brief look at some of the most spoken languages including the top 10 languages spoken in Australia

#1: English

As the official language of Australia, English is in everyday use for 72% of Australians. However, there is no differentiation between Australian English and other English dialects made. We also have to consider large migrant populations from North America (the United States and Canada), United Kingdom and New Zealand where English is also an official language.

#2: Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin Chinese is the second most spoken language in Australia, with over 600,000 speakers. The growing number of Chinese immigrants and students in recent years has also made it the most widely spoken Asian language in the country.

#3: Arabic

Around 400,000 Australians speak Arabic, making it the third most spoken language. Arabic is the official language of many countries in the Gulf regions, the Middle East and North Africa. A diverse range of people, including refugees, immigrants, and students, speak it in Australia. Most Arabic speakers in Australia speak the Levantine dialect, commonly spoken in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine.

In its written form, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the official language of the Arab world. People use it in formal settings and written communication.

#4: Vietnamese

There are over 300,000 Vietnamese speakers in Australia. Vietnamese immigrants have influenced Australia’s cultural and linguistic landscape since the 1970s. Vietnamese is most commonly spoken in Victoria and New South Wales, where large Vietnamese communities reside.

#5: Cantonese

People from the Guangdong province in China, Hong Kong and Macau speak Cantonese as a dialect of Chinese. Nearly 300,000 people speak Cantonese, predominantly in areas with large Chinese communities, such as Sydney and Melbourne.

Cantonese is one of Australia’s most widely spoken Chinese languages, especially among Chinese immigrants who arrived during the 1980s and 1990s. Spoken Cantonese is most commonly associated with the Traditional Chinese writing system.

#6: Punjabi

Over 200,000 people speak Punjabi in Australia, making it the seventh most common language. Indian and Pakistani Punjabi-Australians and expatriates around the world speak this Indo-Aryan language. The language is also widely spoken in religious settings, especially in Sikh gurdwaras.

#7: Greek

Greek is the seventh most spoken language in Australia, with around 260,000 speakers. Greek immigrants have been settling in Australia since the early 20th century, and Greek culture and language have become an important part of Australian multiculturalism.

#8: Italian

Over 200,000 people speak Italian in Australia, making it the ninth most common language. The migration of Italians to Australia began in the late 19th century during the gold rush and has continued to this day. Italian culture and language have significantly impacted Australian society, particularly in areas such as food, fashion, and the arts.

#9: Hindi

Hindi is gaining popularity in Australia due to a growing population of Indian immigrants and students. The number of Hindi speakers in Australia stands at over 250,000, making it the tenth most spoken language in the country. The language is primarily spoken in northern India but is also found in other parts of India, as well as in Nepal and Mauritius.

It uses the Devanagari script for its writing system and is one of the most used writing systems in the world.

#10: Spanish

Spanish is the eleventh most spoken language in Australia, with around 170,000 speakers. Despite Spanish culture and language being part of Australian migration since the 19th century, it has become more popular in recent years. The number of Australians learning Spanish and visiting Spanish-speaking countries is rising.

#11: Nepali

Moving up a spot since the 2016 census, the official language of Nepal is now Australia’s 12th most spoken language, with approximately 133,000 speakers. In Australia, Nepali is most commonly spoken in Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales, where there are large Nepalese communities. Nepali is also widely used in religious settings, particularly Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries.

#12: Tagalog

Tagalog is Australia’s tenth most spoken language, with over 150,000 speakers. It is the dominant language of the Philippines out of ‘Tagalog’ and ‘Filipino’. It is also spoken by Filipino expatriates around the world. In Australia, Tagalog is most commonly spoken in New South Wales and Victoria, where there are large Filipino communities.

#13: Korean

A little over 100,000 people speak Korean in Australia, which makes it the 14th most spoken language in the country. It is the official language of South Korea and North Korea. Its language and culture have become an important part of Australia’s diverse communities because of Korean migration in recent years, particularly in urban areas such as Sydney and Melbourne.

#14: Urdu

Urdu, the official language of Pakistan and spoken in parts of India, make up .40% of Australia’s population, with just over 110,000 speakers. The Urdu language has a rich literary tradition, with poets like Mirza Ghalib and Allama Iqbal contributing to the cultural identity of South Asia.

#15: Tamil

There are 95,404 Tamil speakers in Australia. It is the official language of Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India. The language is also spoken in parts of Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia. In Australia, Tamil is most commonly spoken in Victoria and New South Wales, where the largest Tamil communities reside.

#16: Filipino

Filipino and Tagalog can be used interchangeably but are technically different languages or different dialects of the same language, especially due to differences in their alphabet. One could argue that #12: Tagalog, and Filipino could be combined in the census data. Recording 90,000 plus speakers in addition to Tagalog’s 130,000 plus speakers – the two dialects combined form a considerable number of total speakers and people from the Philippines.

#17: Sinhalese

Over 85,000 people speak Sinhalese in Australia, making it the 17th most spoken language. Sinhala is most commonly spoken in Victoria, where there is a large Sri Lankan community.

#18: Gujarati

Having over 80,000 speakers, Gujarati ranks 18th in Australia. It is the official language of the Indian state of Gujarat. It is also spoken in parts of Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Most Gujarati speakers live in Victoria and New South Wales, where there is a large Indian community.

#19: Malayalam

Malayalam, not to be confused with the Malay language, has over 78,000 speakers across Australia. It is the official language of the Indian state of Kerala. It is also spoken in parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

#20: Indonesian

At number 20, Indonesian or Bahasa (literally translates to ‘language’) has grown significantly since the last census to 73,000 speakers. It is the official language of Indonesia and is also spoken in parts of East Timor and Malaysia. Some of the first Indonesian migrants to Australia can be traced back to the early 19th century.

#21: Persian

Also known as Farsi, Persian sits at number 22 with 72,498 speakers at the time of the 2021 census. It is the official language of Iran and is spoken in parts of Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Persian has been spoken in Australia since the 19th century, when the first Iranian migrants arrived.

#22: French

French is Australia’s twenty-second spoken language, with over 45,000 speakers. It is the official language of France and parts of Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. French has been spoken in Australia since the early 19th century when the first French migrants arrived.

#23: German

German is the official language of Germany, Austria and some parts of Switzerland. At number 23, German has been spoken in Australia since the 1830s, when German migrants arrived in large numbers.

#24: Bengali

Bengali, as it is known in English, is referred to as Bangla in-language. It is the official language of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. It is also spoken in parts of Assam, Tripura, and Jharkhand. Referring to the language as ‘Bangla’ is also making its way into English communities where Bengali speakers are growing. At number 24, Bengali has grown considerably since the last census, driven by an increase in Bangladeshi migration.

#25: Portuguese

The official language of Portugal, Brazil, Angola and several other countries, Portuguese is last in our top 25 list with a considerable number of speakers at just over 67,000. People from Portuguese-speaking backgrounds form part of a well-established broader community in Australia, with the first migrants arriving in the 1820s.

The top 63 languages used by Government and Public Sector Organisations for Translation

You may have noticed some public sector and government organisations translating content across 63 languages. Although the top 63 languages they use do not align precisely with the top 63 reported in the census, there is a good reason for the selection of languages.

The 63 languages include Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Assyrian, Bangla, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Burmese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Croatian, Dari, Dinka, Dutch, Farsi, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hakha Chin, Hazaragi, Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Karen, Khmer, Kirundi, Korean, Kurdish Kurmanji, Lao, Macedonian, Malayalam, Maltese, Nepali, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Rohingya, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Serbian, Sinhalese, Slovak, Slovenian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Tibetan, Tigrinya, Turkish, Urd and Vietnamese.

The selection of languages is based on a vast range of factors which includes:

⬤ Consideration of all states across Australia (for example, Victoria’s top 63 languages could be very different to New South Wales’ top 63)

⬤ Communities that may require more engagement and therefore more translated communication.

⬤ The census data accounts for spoken languages, while the government-targeted languages are more reflective of the top communities.

⬤ Communities or languages require in-language communication vs. communities with a higher percentage of English speakers and do not require translated material.

⬤ Some languages from the census are either listed as non-verbal or have been recorded more than once. For example, Tagalog and Filipino make the census list. However, they are essentially the same language (respondents would have answered Tagalog or Filipino).

⬤ Another example is the census data includes AUSLAN and English in the top 63, which the government accounts for in separate campaigns to their ‘top 63’ languages for translation.

⬤ The number of available certified translators or if translation certification is even available.

⬤ Additionally, many factors and nuances exist, such as the distinction in the census where Chinese is identified as Mandarin and Cantonese in its spoken form, while Government communication often refers to it as Simplified and Traditional in its written form.

Comparison between 2016 and 2021 census data

The Australian Bureau of Statistics conducts its national census once every 5 years. Looking at the results, we can see a notable changing face of Australia. In 2016, there was a slightly higher percentage of English-only speakers in Australia and 20.8% of non-English speakers.

We can also highlight a few of the big changes over the last five years by looking at the different data sets:

⬤ Mandarin speakers remained in the number 2 spot after English.

⬤ Since 2016, there has been a significant increase in Vietnamese speakers in Australia. While a boost from 1.2 to 1.3% may not seem that big, it’s quite substantial in terms of actual people. The stats show that 320,760 people speak Vietnamese at home now, while only 277,391 did so in 2016. For comparison, that was around 3,000 fewer Vietnamese speakers than Cantonese – and there are now around 25,000 more Vietnamese than Cantonese speakers in Australia.

⬤ Italian is one of the languages seeing the biggest decline since 2016. It was sixth on the list in 2016 and eighth in 2021. A decline of 0.2% is fairly large, with only 228,046 people speaking Italian now compared to 271,602 five years ago.

⬤ Arabic and Cantonese both moved up a spot.

⬤ Vietnamese moved up two spots, while Greek moved down one spot.

⬤ Punjabi is by far and away the fastest-growing language based on data. From 0.6 to 0.9% and 132,500 speakers to 239,041 speakers over this five-year period. It means that over 100,000 people now speak this language compared to in 2016.

⬤ Urdu is another language gaining popularity. Almost double the number of people speak now compared to five years ago (11,864 and 69,295)

If you take a deeper look at the statistics – which you can do here – there are a few interesting trends to spot. For one, in almost all languages from East Asia, the number of speakers has increased, possibly indicating a rise in East Asian immigrants.

But, the biggest gainers are South Asian languages from countries such as India, Pakistan, etc. This shows that Australia is seeing a larger influx of immigrants from this part of the world. Interestingly, the number of people speaking European languages does seem to be on the decline. Perhaps this means fewer people are moving to Australia from central European countries.

2024 and beyond: the future of languages in Australia

Essentially, all of this information means that Australia is a country with many different cultures all mixed together. Almost 25% of the population does not see English as its primary language. Clearly, this has a knock-on effect on society – especially in the business world.

If you own and operate a business in Australia, it’s not enough to only provide content in English. There’s a large section of the population that could struggle to read this and would benefit from seeing it in their preferred language.

Consequently, the need for translation services is greater than ever before. At LEXIGO, we provide a whole host of translation services for anyone in Australia to use. We can convert your content from English to a different language, ensuring that everyone can understand what you’re saying.

If you need assistance with translations, want to determine if translation services are the right fit for you, or would like to learn more about Australia’s complex lexicon, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.

The post The most common languages spoken in Australia 2024 appeared first on LEXIGO.

Managing virtual teams: 7 challenges and the tools and tips that helped me overcome them 23 May 2024, 7:40 pm

As the CEO of a global translation company, I have harnessed advantages in our own technology and available cloud-based technologies to efficiently work and communicate with an international team.

Key takeaways

• Remote teams can provide a better work-life balance for team members, allowing more flexibility in work schedules and reducing commuting time to a physical office.
• Virtual teams can be a great way to tap into a diverse talent pool, regardless of location, providing access to a broader range of expertise and experience.
• The best way to ensure successful virtual teams is to set clear expectations, goals, and communication protocols from the outset.
• Virtual team managers and project managers play an essential role in virtual team management by using the right tools and training programs to ensure effective communication and track work output.
• Virtual communication technologies (such as Microsoft Teams and Google Meet) offer real-time communication and collaboration, allowing face-to-face interaction, shared vision, and regular team meetings.
• Social interaction and small talk can be challenging in a virtual world. However, remote team members can still build a team feel through phone calls, video chats, and in-person meetings (when possible).
• Communication issues can arise in virtual teams, but with the right tools and response times, managers of virtual teams can address problems and ensure everyone is on the same page.
• The Harvard Business Review reports that virtual teams can be as effective as in-person teams. Still, managers of virtual teams must be proactive in addressing new challenges and finding the best technology and communication strategies for their type of work.
• Establishing clear goals, following steps, and ensuring everyone has access to critical information can help remote teams avoid poor performance and achieve success over the long term.

Author’s note and update: editing this article for 2024 and beyond is very different to when I first wrote this article in early 2019. So many things have changed for obvious reasons (i.e. the coronavirus pandemic). For example, some remote teams have become permanent virtual teams; web-based software is now more widely known as cloud-based. The idea of video conferencing in 2019 was surprisingly rare and would take some convincing (and technical support) to organise one.

To give you a final example, the following was a paragraph written pre-COVID, which I thought I’d leave as a time capsule. Today, engaging with people through ‘online platforms’ is the norm, if not the default!

In such a globalised and connected world, where the concept of traditional physical workspaces is being usurped, you will at some point be compelled to engage with people through online platforms.

Fortunately for LEXIGO, our processes and teams were born in the cloud from day one. All the tools to work virtually, remotely and with distributed teams were already in place before COVID. This was the main reason the article was initially written: to help other organisations embrace online teams in an ever-increasing globalised world.

In addition, LEXIGO is global by nature; our team is distributed mainly across the Asia Pacific region, with the exception of our translator teams located globally across 138 countries.

Here’s what I’ve learnt about managing global virtual teams.

What’s the difference between remote teams and virtual teams?

Before diving in, it’s important to note the distinction between remote and virtual teams. Often used interchangeably, they have essential differences.

Remote teams

Remote employees comprise remote workers in different remote locations who work on the same projects together. Teams communicate and collaborate using digital tools like email, messaging apps, and video conferencing. While they occasionally meet in person and conduct face-to-face meetings, most interactions occur remotely. Still, they share a physical workspace that they might occasionally attend.

Virtual teams

Virtual teams, on the other hand, refer to a group of people who work together on a project or task without ever sharing a physical workspace. Virtual team members are composed of remote workers who are geographically dispersed and may work in different time zones. Virtual teamwork relies heavily on technology, with digital tools being the primary means of communication and coordination.

To make matters more confusing, virtual and distributed teams are sometimes interchangeable. For this article, we’ll stick to using the term virtual teams.

Hybrid teams

Hybrid teams are becoming increasingly popular post the peak of COVID. By combining remote and on-site workers, a hybrid work environment enables organisations to reap the benefits of both remote work and in-person collaboration. Hybrid teams offer flexibility and convenience for remote workers, who can work from anywhere while also providing the opportunity for in-person collaboration and socialisation for those who prefer to work on-site.

Managing virtual teams

Managing virtual teams can be challenging, to say the least. In fact, a virtual team leader is becoming a new form of leadership in its own right, and a quick google search differentiates leadership from virtual team leadership.

There are cultural best practices to consider, language barriers, real-life distractions and time differences, just to name a few.

It also requires self-awareness; you’re more likely to be less empathetic online and more inclined to become desensitised to societal rules that usually guide real-life social interactions.

This could translate into becoming more susceptible to being rude, discourteous, condescending and more inclined to make an offhand remark where you wouldn’t otherwise if you were in a face-to-face meeting.

Sometimes, even when you’re being sincere, it could come across as rude because you might be communicating through chat.

Tools and tips I’ve found to overcome the challenges

In the same way, companies evolve and adapt to new technological advancements, companies must also translate these recent changes by updating their approach to human resource management.

Sometimes it can result in an overhaul of how we manage employee relationships since communication in a virtual team is full of challenges.

These include:

Challenge #1: Geographical and time differences

Preparing a video conference with different time zones requires strict rules that everybody adheres to. Sometimes, you leave team members out of meetings due to significant time and geographical differences.

Try to pick a time of day that is suitable for everyone. Some great tools out there to help you choose mutually suitable times include:

Timeanddate.com’s Time Difference Calculator

This is a great tool because you can add as many cities and time zones as you like and compare them simultaneously. For example, what time is it in Paris, Copenhagen and Beijing at 2pm in Melbourne?

WorldTimeZone.com World Map

Get a visual outlook of the time and date all around the world at the current time and compare cities and countries before making calls.

Timeanddate.com’s Meeting Planner

Timeanddate.com does it again with this awesome meeting planner. Select the cities you’re trying to plan a meeting with, hit go, and it will highlight the best time for all 3 cities in green.

Challenge #2: Limited opportunities for interpreting nuance and nonverbal cues

Good communication means interpreting subtle hints about what a person is saying from non-verbal communication.

This includes facial expressions, posture and gestures. Decoding these kinds of communications is valuable for team building and cohesion as we get to know our colleagues on a more human level.

This kind of human experience cannot be replicated in virtual teams. The closest thing is a voice and video call. When it’s over chat and email, don’t sweat the small stuff when being spoken to, do sweat the small stuff when speaking – this will allow cultural consideration from both sides.

Another factor is being behind a keyboard. You may be very cordial in real life, but once you are on an online platform, the likelihood of your demeanour changing or being misinterpreted is dramatically high.

You are also more prone to invalidate other people’s concerns and dismiss them when in a virtual team. Regularly scheduled team meetings over voice and video help to put everyone’s approach in perspective.

Great tools and techniques to address this challenge include:

Old-fashioned phone call

you can download an app like WhatsApp and make calls via WiFi or simply call using your landline or mobile.

Skype

Create groups, chat individually, make voice or video calls, share your screen and much more.

Regular meetings

Scheduling regular virtual meetings, huddles, catch-ups, and more helps teams remember they’re not isolated and play an essential role in supporting their team’s needs. Team meetings held on a regular basis are also proven to increase productivity.

Zoom

Zoom meetings are great for online meetings with plenty of options to ensure important stuff is recorded and sessions run smoothly.

Challenge #3: Virtual teams are not a one size fits all mechanism

Not all industries are adapted to online communication. The organisational design needed to run a virtual team is counterproductive for some departments and industries.

Make sure a virtual team is beneficial for your organisation. While it may work well in a travelling agency or advertising, it may only hold true for some industries. Having a virtual team as support staff or back-end administration work for these industries makes more sense.

Challenge #4: Why more is never merrier in virtual teams

If you have a message board where all team members contribute, inevitably, you will have to deal with lengthy messages in the discussion forum. The constant barrage of messages in an online chat room can impede effective output since the likelihood of ignoring messages is high.

To counter this, try to split virtual teams in silos (see Challenge #6) with team leaders who report to you – not too dissimilar from running large on-site teams.

There are many tools out there to help online collaboration across time zones, teams and even for teams right next to each other!

Here are a couple of my favourites:

Asana.com

Versatile with a variety of templates for different purposes.

Trello.com

Streamlined. Great if you want a uniform approach to planning work.

Challenge #5: Virtual teams are fertile ground for e-failures

E-failures are a combination of the complications associated with email communication and human error.

Did you forget to attach a document? Did an important message go into the spam folder? Have you sent a message to the wrong receiver?

These kinds of errors are frequent among virtual teams collaborating on a project. Yep, you guessed it! There are tools to help you out.

Apart from some of the tools mentioned in the previous point, these tools help you manage files and email.

Asana.com

Asana makes the list again. One of many different types of project management systems, Asana offers a suite of project management tools that address the unique challenges of virtual team leaders and individual team members.

Dropbox.com

Dropbox is an ideal tool for managing files across virtual teams, offering cloud-based storage and collaboration features that enable seamless work across multiple locations. Real-time collaboration and a user-friendly interface make it easier for team members to work efficiently and stay organised.

Grammarly

Checking and editing this article using Grammarly is not the only advantage we get from its use. Managing our brand and terminology across distributed teams is all centralised in Grammarly and is another significant benefit.

Email

Obviously one of the most used and preferred forms of communication by all virtual teams, upping your email game can have significant advantages. You can do this by scheduling emails, setting auto-responders and organising your email to suit the requirements of your virtual teams.

Boomerang

Rather than rushing to send your emails across the world before you or your colleagues end the day – with Boomerang, you can take your time writing emails to your global colleagues and schedule to send them at a more professional time. However, most email service providers now include this as a standard feature.

Challenge #6: Time wasted unravelling communication failures

When miscommunication happens in virtual teams, you can’t get clarification as quickly as you could from a colleague who is a few feet away.

This means virtual teams waste lots of time before clearing up misunderstandings. To ensure communication is always open and constant, consider more frequent contact and scheduled meetings and try not to allow ‘elephants in the room’.

Tools you can use to facilitate regular communication include:

Slack

Set up separate workspaces for each team and post to the workspace anytime. Slack allows for a continuous flow of conversation and ideas across time zones.

Skype

Skype gets another mention for its versatility. Create groups, chat individually, make voice or video calls, share your screen, and more with Skype.

Challenge #7: Understanding the five dimensions of culture to help you manage diverse virtual teams

Cross-cultural expert and Dutch social psychologist Dr Geert Hofstede undertook studies on the impact of different cultures in the workplace and identified five dimensions of culture. His research is based on years of collected and analysed data from over 100,000 people across 40 countries.

Culture is often a bigger source of conflict, and differences in culture can become a real nuisance that can lead to disastrous results. —Dr. Geert Hofstede

His solution—understand the culture and values of the workforce you’re working with by identifying the varying degrees of importance in each of the following dimensions:

PDI: Power Distance Index

This dimension focuses on how much equality or inequality exists between people from different countries. If the PDI is high, it shows that there are significant inequalities of both power as well as wealth. This also shows that society uses a caste system and keeps its citizens more or less in their normal place in life. On the other hand, a low PDI shows that society does not emphasise differences in wealth and power and that there is more equality in society.

IDV: Individualism

This dimension is focused on the degree to which society strengthens an individual or society as a whole regarding their achievements and relationships with each other. If the degree for this dimension is high, it shows that society places maximum importance on individuality and personal rights.

MAS: Masculinity

This dimension is focused on how much a society strengthens the traditionally held notion that men are the primary achievers and power in society. A high score shows that the country values traditionally male traits such as assertiveness and material success. A low score means a national culture values more “feminine” traits such as nurturing and caring.

UAI: Uncertainty Avoidance Index

This dimension shows how tolerant society is regarding uncertainty and ambiguity. A high score indicates that the country does not have a high tolerance.

LTO: Long-term Orientation

This is a dimension that is focused on whether or not a society embraces long-term devotion to values that are traditional and futuristic. Long-term orientation shows that society values its traditions, and this buttresses a stronger work ethic. Businesses that operate in such an environment will find it challenging to merge with society, as they will be considered outsiders.

Conclusion

While identifying the challenges that underpin virtual teams, it is essential to remember that they are here to stay. For some industries, the future of virtual teams is already here. Ranging from non-governmental organisations, intelligence services, journalism, shipping, aviation, diplomacy, the military, scientific communities and universities, just to name a few.

But the good news is that the virtual environment is not all doom and gloom since there are also demonstrable best-case scenarios when employees collaborate within a virtual environment.

For one, as much as we have affirmed that online environments are ripe settings for breaking social inhibitions, virtual teams ironically reduce traditional work conflicts that may be occasioned by interpersonal relations when in face-to-face interaction.

The biggest challenges for global virtual teams are cultural and time differences. And if the following sentence written in early 2019 is proof of anything, it’s of how quickly things have changed in this space.

As more people worldwide become accustomed to other cultures and globalisation increases, there will no doubt come a time when virtual teams will be more forgiving and open to cultural sensitivities.

The post Managing virtual teams: 7 challenges and the tools and tips that helped me overcome them appeared first on LEXIGO.

Co-creation: how to co-create with your audiences in their native language and culture 9 May 2024, 2:46 am

Translation, transcreation or co-creation? Every in-language communication project has its own unique set of circumstances and goals. Sometimes, the budget is limited, or the timeline is tight and the priority lies in sticking to the budget or delivery date.

Other times, the utmost goal lies in resonance and ensuring that the audience doesn’t just understand what is being said, but can relate to it. Enter the Translation Conversation. 

In February of this year, at an RMIT Symposium discussing The Future of Multilingual Community Communications in Australia, LEXIGO introduced the Translation Conversation, a model to help you decide which approach is best for you to take depending on your priority – budget, speed, or resonance. 

Translation, at its core, is about communication – communicating effectively with multiple audiences in their native tongue.

Balancing these three pillars can be challenging, as they often compete with each other. For example, if speed is a priority, it might come at the cost of your budget or the resonance of your translated content. 

In choosing your priority, you determine the way forward for your project, whether it is translation, transcreation or co creation. Each language service carries its weight and impact in the communication space. However, in the realm of multicultural marketing, we have found that co-creation is the best method to truly impact and move your audience into action.

Why co-creation?

Co-creation allows us to create in-language content with audiences and communities, not just for them, ensuring that our marketing efforts are as diverse and dynamic as the cultures we aim to engage. 

Co-creation is a collaborative design process grounded in the principle that the varied perspectives of different individuals can lead to more innovative, effective, and inclusive outcomes. It’s not just about consulting or getting feedback on preformed ideas; it’s about genuinely integrating different viewpoints, native perspectives and expertise from the outset to shape the direction, content, and execution of a project.

Take a deep dive as we explore the ins and outs of co-creation and how to use it to pave a new path of effective communication with diverse audiences. 

What is co-creation?

The term co-creation was coined in 2010 by C.K. Prahalad, an Indian-American entrepreneur, and Venkat Ramaswamy, an author and marketing professor, to describe the emerging relationship between customers and companies as more and more businesses, such as LEGO and IKEA, had started to implement active participation from their customer base in the product development process to help them come up with new products. 

Co-creation opens up your innovation process, regardless of what field you work in, to a wide range of voices that otherwise wouldn’t be involved, most importantly, your customers, those who matter the most. 

In multicultural marketing, co-creation is a collaborative process that involves creating your campaign alongside the audience it’s aimed at. Co-creation is particularly significant in marketing as it ensures that the marketing strategies and communication tactics are not only about the audience but also by the audience, fostering authenticity and resonance. Using this approach allows for diverse voices with new perspectives to come together to craft culturally sensitive, relevant, and impactful messaging in-language, rather than through translation. In multicultural marketing, the customer co-creation process is non-negotiable as it ensures that every element of your campaign has been vetted by the very communities they aim to serve. 

Through the collaborative approach of co-creation, we aim to break down the barriers between businesses and their audience, fostering a more democratic and participatory process. In turn, this enhances the quality and relevance of the campaign, and builds stronger connections between the customer base and the business, while also giving participants a sense of ownership. 

Benefits of co-creation

The benefits of co-creation rely on several important conditions that must be met for the process to be effective: trust, effective communication, and a focus on results. It can be easy to deviate from the purpose of the workshop and the results that the session aims to achieve. However, keeping those three conditions in mind as you navigate the process can help ensure you reap the benefits of the process. 

The benefits of co-creation are many, the most prominent of which are: 

Cultural resonance

When you co-create with your audience, you’re not just guessing what will resonate, you’re creating what will resonate. This eliminates the risk of cultural missteps and ensures your campaign is rooted in genuine understanding. In turn, this could lead to a more positive impact on your audience, leading to your desired results. 

New and innovative ideas

The collective intelligence of a community often uncovers insights and ideas that would otherwise be difficult to achieve in isolation. The active participants of the workshop offer a different perspective on the customer experience, which can lead to innovative solutions. Co-creation is a powerful tool for innovation that benefits the brand and the community.

Build trust and loyalty

In the creative process of co-creation, a sense of ownership helps community members develop a stronger relationship with the brand. When people see that their voices are actively incorporated into the brand’s messaging, it lends itself to a level of trust and loyalty that is hard to achieve through traditional top-down approaches. 

We saw these benefits come to light while working on our co-creation campaign earlier this year for the Department of Health and Aged Care. Through our co-creation process, we tapped into a wealth of cultural insight about multicultural healthcare that directly fed into the messaging we used across the campaign and the channels we used for consumer engagement. In the process, we built a level of trust that the benefits of can still be felt to this day, with customers who have a renewed sense of security and understanding of their health and how they can take control of it. 

Through co-creation, you’re not just adding another tool to your marketing toolkit. You’re adopting a paradigm shift that recognises the value of community intelligence, the importance of authentic representation, and the incredible potential for innovation when diverse minds come together.

Our co-creation process

Co-creation is not a one-size-fits-all process; it requires a tailored and flexible approach that considers the unique characteristics and needs of each community. However, we at LEXIGO have developed a method based on five universal stages that can help guide any co-creation journey:

1. Groundwork
2. Co-creation sessions
3. Messaging
4. Creative
5. Test and refine

Stage 1. Groundwork

As with any project, you need to start by setting a baseline. 

First, identify your objectives and your target audience (communities and languages) as this is the base upon which you will build your findings. Your objectives will keep you on track throughout the process, helping you focus, whenever you’re not sure which direction to take. 

From there, identify community stakeholders to work with throughout the journey. These could be community leaders, influencers and everyday grassroots members who can provide valuable insights throughout the process. 

At this point, you might also want to conduct market research for your co-creation sessions. Market research can help you identify hypotheses to take into testing and serve as a jumping-off point for your co-creation sessions. 

Also, at this stage, you can loosely draft your key messages, visuals and potential channel distribution strategy based on your hypotheses to use as a starting point during your co-creation sessions. These will serve as a discussion point to propel you into a complete marketing plan by the end of the session. 

Stage 2. Sessions

With your community collaborators in tow, your objectives set, and your testing hypotheses identified, you’re ready to move on to the next stage, your co-creation session. Your session can take on many forms, from a brainstorming session to an active collaboration workshop, or a virtual meet-up on online platforms. Regardless of the format, the goal is the same – to develop concepts that are not just innovative but also deeply resonant with your target communities. These sessions should be safe spaces where ideas can flow freely. Topics can cover everything including your key messages, distribution channels, creative design, and people of influence. 

The environment within the session is crucial for success. A collaborative environment where everyone involved feels like their feedback and insight are valued is essential to truly leverage the power of co-creation and get the most out of the participants.

Participants also want to feel like they’re getting something out of the session. A rewards system can help motivate your co-creation group to be more intentional in their contributions, which could lead to more successful co-creation efforts. Rewards can include anything from financial gain to free products or services in return. 

Stage 3. Messaging

Following your co-creation session, it’s time to start crafting the messaging that you tested in the sessions. Sometimes the initial drafted messages are a good starting point and only need to be refined. Other times, depending on how they were received, they might need to be rewritten from a different perspective. Regardless, when the final messages are crafted, they should ideally be sent to the co-creation group for their final opinion before going to market. This way, you’re completely reassured of the campaign’s resonance within the community. 

Stage 4. Creative

Your creative elements bring your campaign to life and should be sensitive and inclusive. Across different communities and cultures, some cultural sensitivities and preferences might arise, such as colour preferences, or images or icons that might be culturally unacceptable. 

Your co-creation session should allow you to consult the community on creative and visual elements. While laying the groundwork, you can do your own market research, however, in co-creation, visual elements must be tested to ensure that they will be accepted within the community. Similar to messaging, allow for feedback and refinement to ensure the visuals are culturally sensitive and aligned with the community’s preferences.

Stage 5. Test and refine

Once you’ve developed your creative concepts and messaging, present them back to the community for feedback, perhaps through focus groups, online surveys, or community forums. Listen carefully to the feedback and be prepared to go back to the drawing board, if necessary. What makes co-creation unique is the iterative process between you and your audience. Each cycle of customer feedback brings you closer to a final product that truly resonates.

Co-creation is not a one-and-done affair but an ongoing process. Establish clear feedback channels for your community collaborators to tell you what they think, and use the insights you gain to continuously refine your creative elements. Don’t be afraid to release multiple versions of creative based on the feedback and fresh perspectives received. This approach allows you to fine-tune the messaging until it resonates deeply with the community.

At LEXIGO, we created a Native Community Partnerships Panel that we work with on every co-creation initiative to coordinate directly with the community and conduct community checking to ensure that creative elements resonate across the board. The Panel works with the community to provide insights and recommendations in real time on multicultural campaigns to ensure that they represent the community members’ experiences. 

Moving forward with the new co-creation model

The concept of co-creation allows you to collaborate directly with your audience to gather new ideas, change the status quo and create unique content that speaks directly to them. The goal is to approach issues from a different perspective and come away with a fresh approach and better content that is relatable, relevant and resonant. While working independently might feel more comfortable, it might not be the most effective, and when trying to implement change, effective communication is key. 

The value of co-creation lies in its collaborative process that aims to build trust and mutual respect between businesses and their customers. It can help companies, governments, and communities move forward by creating a collective framework based on shared values and goals. 

As the market becomes flooded with more businesses looking to gain your audience’s attention, companies need to find innovative ways to appeal to their customer base. Make your audience part of your process and turn to them to provide the context upon which you can create effective native communication. 

The post Co-creation: how to co-create with your audiences in their native language and culture appeared first on LEXIGO.

2024 cultural events: your cultural calendar of celebrations 9 May 2024, 12:35 am

Farewell 2023, hello new year: mark your calendars for cultural events in 2024

As the year comes to a close and the rest of the world is looking back and reflecting on 2023, we’re looking forward to the new year and all the cultural events, celebrations and religious dates in 2024.

As we enter 2024, and look at the year ahead, we’ve put together a calendar for cultural events in 2024, religious holidays, and special occasions to help you (and us) plan for the year.

This calendar focuses on a mix of events from around the world that have shaped communities, countries, their heritage and culture. Take a deep dive with us as we go on a journey that explores the unique stories behind each holiday and its significance to those who celebrate it.

LEXIGO’s 2024 cultural events calendar

January

1 January: New Year’s Day

We kick off 2024 cultural events with the most globally celebrated, New Year’s Day. New Year’s Day is the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar and is celebrated by most Western countries as the start of the new year, symbolising a fresh start and new beginnings.

You can read more about the different types of calendars around the world here.

7 January: Orthodox Christmas Day

Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on this day. Some of the Orthodox Christians who celebrate Christmas on this day come from Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt and Ethiopia.

10 January: World Hindi Day

World Hindi Day commemorates when Hindi was first spoken at the United Nations General Assembly in 1949. Hindi is the third most widely spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese and English with 615 million speakers worldwide.

14 January: Orthodox New Year

This celebration, also known as the Julian New Year, follows the Julian calendar. The same communities that celebrate the Orthodox Christmas celebrate the start of the new year on this day.

26 January: Australia Day / Invasion Day

Known by some as Australia Day, January 26 commemorates Captain Arthur Phillip’s landing in Sydney Cove in 1788.

However, for First Nations Peoples, it’s known as Invasion Day. Signifying a painful history, Invasion Day highlights the impact of dispossession, loss of culture, and the profound repercussions of British colonisation and the Stolen Generation on their communities.

February

10 February: Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is celebrated across multiple countries, including China, Vietnam, and Korea. The occasion commemorates the first new moon of the lunar calendar. The event is typically celebrated with a festival that begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later at the first full moon of the lunar calendar. Throughout the festival, dances and fireworks abound, culminating in the Lantern Festival, celebrated on the final day of the New Year’s festivities.

11 February: Japan’s National Foundation Day

Japan’s National Foundation Day commemorates the establishment of Japan as an influential nation that has shaped the fields of architecture, education, engineering and beyond. The national holiday highlights the need for a strong community connection to propel the ongoing development and success of Japan.

15 February: Nirvana Day

Nirvana Day, or Parinirvana Day, is a Mahayana Buddhist holiday celebrated in East Asia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The holiday commemorates Buddha’s death and when he attained complete Nirvana. The holiday is a time for contemplation of Buddha’s teachings. Some monasteries and temples hold meditation retreats to celebrate the occasion.

21 February: International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day, observed by the United Nations, celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity. International Mother Language Day recognises that language is more than just a means of communicating but rather a vehicle for cultures, heritage and philosophies around the world. The day highlights how multilingualism plays a significant role in promoting inclusion in society.

24 February: Makha Bucha Day

Makha Bucha is observed on the full moon day of the third lunar month in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and on the full moon day of Tabaung in Myanmar. Theravada Buddhists celebrate by visiting temples with offerings of food and other items for the monks or nuns. The occasion is marked by solemn candlelight processions.

24 February: Chinese Lantern Festival

As mentioned above, the Lantern Festival is an annual festival marking the final day of celebrations for the Chinese New Year. Communities engage in various traditions during this festival, including children carrying paper lanterns, solving riddles on lanterns, participating in lion and dragon dances, and even walking on stilts. The symbolic colour of red is prevalent as families seek good fortune and happiness for the upcoming year.

March

8 March: Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is a sacred Hindu festival honouring the Hindu god of Shiva. This day serves as a remembrance of overcoming darkness and ignorance in the world. The celebration revolves around discovering compassion from emptiness. Through performances, meditation, and nighttime prayers, individuals aspire to achieve spiritual awakening. It underscores the importance of holistic well-being, encompassing both spiritual and physical aspects. Maha Shivaratri is particularly prominent in India, which has the largest Hindu population in the world.

10 March: Ramadan

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic faith, symbolising the cleansing of the heart and mind. Aligned with the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan marks the beginning of the Quranic revelation to Prophet Muhammad. Muslims aim for physical and spiritual discipline by abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset. The month highlights the significance of fasting, not only for physical purposes, but as a way to remove negative qualities in oneself and cultivate virtues of patience and generosity.

14 March: Nyepi Balinese NY

Balinese New Year, also known as Nyepi or the Day of Silence, is an important day that symbolises the start of a new year. The event is a federal holiday and the country comes to a halt with restrictions on electricity, work, travel, and entertainment. Instead, this Hindu celebration is marked by self-reflection, contemplation, and introspection. People review the year they’ve had, set goals for the new year, and seek forgiveness from those they may have wronged. After the pause, the country takes to the streets to celebrate with parades and dances.

15 – 21 March: Harmony Week

Harmony Week is dedicated to celebrating and recognising the diverse communities within Australia. From 15 to 21 March, Australia comes together to explore the different cultures that shape the country. Within Harmony Week, Australia also celebrates Harmony Day on 21 March. The day is celebrated with cuisines, dances and music that highlight the cultural richness of Australia.

20 March: Nowruz

Nowruz, also known as Iranian New Year or Persian New Year, marks the first day in the Baha’i calendar. The day marks the end of winter and the beginning of summer. The celebrations include a feast at sunset to signal the end of the fasting period, combined with jumping over bonfires, and lighting off firecrackers that the whole community takes part in.

20 March: International Francophone Day

International Francophonie Day celebrates the French language and its diverse culture. With millions of French speakers around the world, this day recognises the significance of the French language in creating unity and harmony within societies.

21 March: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination aims to increase global awareness to fight against racial prejudice in all communities. This day recognises all minority backgrounds and acknowledges how history hasn’t maintained an equitable space for all. This day also commemorates the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa in 1960, where police opened fire at a peaceful protest against apartheid pass laws, killing 69 people and injuring 180.

25 March: Holi

Holi, otherwise known as the Festival of Love, Festival of Colours and Festival of Spring, is one of the biggest celebrations in India, signifying overcoming evil through goodness. This religious festival is primarily celebrated by Hindus, however, one of the main themes of the festival is unity. So, while it is a Hindu festival, the event is celebrated all over the world against a backdrop of vivid colour fights.

31 March: Easter

Easter is a Christian holiday that symbolises the end of the Lenten season. The day is typically celebrated with coloured Easter eggs.

April

1 April: Kha b-Nisan

The Assyrians and Chaldeans commemorate their New Year at the onset of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This celebration is embraced by the indigenous Assyrians residing in Northern Iraq, North-eastern Syria, South-eastern Turkey, and North-western Iran.

9 April: Eid Al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday observed by Muslims celebrating the end of Ramadan. The day is celebrated by families and friends enjoying a daytime feast together after 30 days of fasting.

13 April: Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is an ancient harvest festival that signifies the start of a new solar year and harvest season. The day is observed by Sikhs primarily in Punjab and Northern India.

13 – 17 April: Songkran (Thai New Year)

Songkran, the Thai New Year and Water Festival, is celebrated with food, crafts and entertainment. Songkran begins on 13 April yearly and is recognised as a federal holiday in Thailand.

20 April: Chinese Language Day

Chinese Language Day, observed by the United Nations, recognises the importance of the Chinese language, which has over 1.3 billion speakers around the world.

23 April: Spanish Language Day

Spanish Language Day, recognised by the United Nations, celebrates the linguistic diversity of the Spanish language. Spanish is the 4th most spoken language in the world with over 500 million speakers around the world.

May

5 May: Cinco De Mayo Day

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s defeat of the French empire. Mexicans around the world observe this day with speeches and parades that celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.

21 May: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

World Day for Cultural Diversity celebrates the richness and beauty of all the cultures of the world, highlighting how exposure to a range of cultures can help expand our knowledge and understanding of the world. This day emphasises the need for intercultural recognition, acceptance, and acknowledgement, at a local and global level.

23 May: Vesak (Buddha Day)

Vesak, also known as Buddha Day, is an important day of celebration for Buddhists around the world. Traditionally, the holiday celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. This day is observed in many countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Japan and more.

25 May: Africa Day

Africa Day celebrates the cultural diversity of the continent of Africa, giving people from over 50 countries in Africa a chance to express pride in their history, heritage and culture.

27 May – 3 June: National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week honours two significant events in Indigenous Australian history: the 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo case. These events marked the start of fair and equal treatment for First Nation communities, promoting respect, support, and compassion. It’s crucial to recognise and address the nation’s history, providing ongoing support services for Indigenous communities. This day raises awareness of the need to assess reconciliation effectiveness, not just through talk, but also through policies, education, and laws.

June

2 June: Italian National Day

Festa della Repubblica is Italy’s National Day and Republic Day. It’s a special day when Italians remember the time in 1946 when they voted to get rid of the monarchy and create a republic. In Italy, and even at Italian embassies in other countries, people celebrate with small festivals, concerts, and parades.

3 June: Mabo Day

Mabo Day honours Eddie Koiki Mabo, a brave man from Mer Island, for his efforts to challenge the idea that the land belonged to no one (terra nullius). He fought for Indigenous land rights, and after almost ten years, the High Court of Australia ruled in his favour on June 3, 1992. This decision is celebrated every year on Mabo Day to recognize this important achievement.

16 June: Eid Al-Adha

Known in many Middle Eastern countries as the big Eid, Eid al Adha lasts five days and is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar. Eid al Adha means ‘feast of the sacrifice’ and is celebrated with a feast of either sheep, goat, camel, or cow.

July

4 – 11 July: NAIDOC Week

Just over half of the year past, the 2024 cultural event calendar starts with NAIDOC Week, which stands for National Aborigines’ and Islanders’ Day Observance Committee. It is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

14 July: Bastille Day

Bastille Day is a French celebration of the turning point in the French Revolution that led to an uprising against the feudal system. The day is seen as a chance to rejoice in the success and culture of France and the country’s values of ‘liberty, equality and fraternity’.

18 July: Nelson Mandela International Day

Created to inspire people to embrace the values of democracy and contribute towards the ideals of ensuring a just and fair society, Nelson Mandela International Day was created by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s birthday and the values of democracy that he inspired in South Africa.

21 July: Racial Harmony Day

Racial Harmony Day in Singapore commemorates the nation’s success in achieving racial harmony. In 1964, Singapore faced racial tensions leading to violent clashes between Chinese and Malay communities. The July 21 riots resulted in significant loss of life and injuries. Today, Racial Harmony Day serves as a reminder for students about the importance of maintaining racial and religious harmony in Singapore’s multicultural society, learned from the tragic events of 1964.

August

4 August: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a time for the entire community to celebrate the children. People from all over the country organise and participate in events that highlight kids, culture, family, and community.

9 August: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Created by the United Nations in 1994, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples aims to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous populations around the world. The day also serves as a commemoration of the contributions and accomplishments of the Indigenous People, such as environmental protection.

September

17 September: Mid-Autumn Festival

What would the 2024 cultural events calendar be without the Mid-Autumn festival? Mid-Autumn Festival is a Chinese festival that celebrates the full moon, symbolising family togetherness. It is observed on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar when the moon is at its fullest throughout the year. In celebration of the event, people gather with their families to acknowledge the moon and eat mooncakes together.

25 September: National Heritage Day of South Africa

National Heritage Day of South Africa celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the country. The event recognises the rich cultural heritage of the unique and diverse cultures that make up the population of South Africa.

26 September: European Day of Languages

The European Day of Languages, recognised by the Council of Europe, celebrates linguistic diversity in Europe and promotes language learning. This day aims to preserve linguistic diversity in Europe and promote multilingualism and intercultural understanding by recognising the need to diversify the range of languages people learn so they can play their full part in democratic citizenship in Europe.

28 September: International Day for Universal Access to Information

This day highlights the importance of having constitutional or statutory policies in place that guarantee the public’s right access to information that could save lives and help people make informed decisions. The day serves as a reminder that everyone has the right to ask for, get, and share information.

30 September: International Translation Day

Marked by almost every translation professional and translation company around the world, this 2024 cultural event, the International Translation Day, pays tribute to the work of language translation professionals around the world. The day provides an opportunity to promote the diverse cultural heritage in our ever-changing world.

October

2 October: Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish Holiday, marking the New Year and the beginning of the High Holy Days in the Jewish calendar. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Traditionally observed for two days, it involves special prayers, festive meals, and the sounding of the shofar (a ram’s horn).

11 October: Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It follows Rosh Hashanah and is a day of fasting, reflection, and repentance. Observed with solemnity, it is a time for Jewish people to seek forgiveness for their sins, both individually and collectively.

31 October: Halloween

Halloween commemorates the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, an evening when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. However, in recent times, the holiday is seen as a holiday to celebrate all things scary, with people dressing up in costumes and going trick-or-treat-ing to gather candy.

November

1 November: Diwali

One of the largest cultural events in 2024, Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated by millions of people worldwide. The festival typically spans five days, with the main day observed on the third day. Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. During the festival, homes are adorned with oil lamps, candles, and colourful decorations. Families come together to share festive meals, exchange gifts, and participate in prayers and religious ceremonies. Fireworks and the lighting of lamps symbolise the victory of knowledge over ignorance.

1-2 November: Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead or el Día de los Muertos in Spanish, is a Mexican holiday that honours deceased loved ones. During this time, families create altars adorned with photographs, candles, flowers, food and mementos of those departed for a brief reunion with them at midnight. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31 and the spirits of the deceased return to the world of the living to enjoy the offerings and the company of their families.

16 November: International Day for Tolerance

The International Day for Tolerance, created by UNESCO in 1994, commemorates the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and raises awareness of the dangers that intolerance poses to society. The day aims to promote mutual understanding between cultures and peoples as well as appreciation for diversity.

December

18 December: World Arabic Language Day

World Arabic Language Day recognises the fifth most internationally spoken language in the world, the Semitic language of Arabic, which has communicated groundbreaking findings in the disciplines of engineering, social sciences, philosophy and mathematics. World Arabic Language Day also celebrates the diversity of the Arabic language, as it has evolved into a range of dialects distinct to each Arabic-speaking country and region.

25 December: Christmas

Christmas is a widely celebrated day around the world. For many, it marks the birth of baby Jesus and the Christian faith. However, Christmas has a long history and is now a joyful time for people of all backgrounds to come together, enjoy the festive season, and unite with loved ones.

26 December – 1 January: Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African cultural holiday celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. The holiday emphasises the values of family, community, and culture. During Kwanzaa, participants light candles on a kinara (candleholder), each representing one of seven principles, known as Nguzo Saba. These principles include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

31 December: New Year’s Eve

December 31, the last 2024 cultural event day in the Gregorian calendar, is a major global celebration that marks the end of the year. The holiday is celebrated around the world with extravagant light and firework shows in major cities such as Sydney, Dubai and Paris. People use this time to reflect on the year they’ve had and define their resolutions and changes for the upcoming year.

The post 2024 cultural events: your cultural calendar of celebrations appeared first on LEXIGO.

Native Experience Marketing: A New Era in Communication 13 Feb 2024, 3:37 am

Working in the language and translation industry, you’ll find yourself coming across the terms “foreign,” “ethnic,” and “multicultural” on the regular.

These terms are fodder in our line of work but the implications of using these terms are rarely considered. 

Foreign, ethnic, and multicultural are subjective words. What is foreign or ethnic to one person might be entirely native to another. As we continue to label marketing outside the so-called “mainstream” as “ethnic,” or “foreign,” we inadvertently contribute to a sense of otherness, alienating our audience instead of celebrating and embracing their unique experiences. And let’s be clear: the words we use matter—especially when you find yourself on the receiving end of terms like “foreigner” or “ethnic.”

It’s high time for a change.

Enter Native Experience (NX) Marketing—a paradigm shift in culturally intelligent marketing that prioritises the audience’s experience, irrespective of language or culture. It’s more than just a new approach; it’s a journey through the heart of connecting with audiences on a profound level, beyond mere translation.

NX Marketing isn’t just about linguistic accuracy; it’s about cultural understanding. It’s about crafting campaigns from the ground up, rooted in deep cultural insights and built for communities, by communities. This isn’t just marketing; it’s a movement—a call to action to embrace audiences in their native language and culture. It’s about inclusivity that reverberates not just in the work we do but also in the way we talk about what we do. It takes what has, for the most part, been considered alternative marketing, and turns into the mainstream. 

Imagine a world where connection transcends language barriers and cultural divides—a world where understanding and empathy reign supreme. While achieving universal language fluency may be a lofty goal, building bridges of understanding is within reach.

That’s where NX Marketing comes in.

Our framework—the NATIVE framework—guides marketers on a journey toward Notable, Authentic, Trusted, Inclusive, Versatile, and Evolving campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences. It’s about exploring the nuances of cultural context and crafting campaigns that speak directly to the heart of the human experience.

It’s a simple to remember yet flexible marketing framework that outlines how professionals can make their in-language, in-culture marketing and communication initiatives:

• Notable to the efforts as a whole
• Authentic in your messaging 
• Trusted by the audiences
• Inclusive in approach
• Versatile in execution
• Evolving with the changing dynamics of the campaign and its audiences.

At its core, NX Marketing is about creating a world where connection knows no bounds—a world where everyone, regardless of background or upbringing, feels seen, heard, and valued.

“NX adopts a familiar structure to conventional marketing approaches, yet it distinguishes itself by placing in-language audiences at the forefront of its strategy. The essence of marketing—understanding and engaging with one’s audience—is universal. However, NX refines this principle through the prism of language and cultural nuance, ensuring that the approach is audience-first, culturally-conscious, inclusive and authentic.”

Native Experience (NX) Marketing

NX Marketing is rooted in action. It’s filled with strategies, frameworks, and exercises at each stage of the journey that you can use to better relate to your audience, to build better marketing plans and campaigns that resonate with your audience, regardless of their background. 

While NX Marketing is made to be more of a set of guidelines rather than a rigid framework, its flexibility is what makes it truly native. Each audience is unique and a one-size-fits-all strategy doesn’t necessarily work. Instead, NX Marketing helps you find an approach that is genuinely tailored to your audience. 

When you’re finished with the book, you’ll be able to: 

• Identify opportunities to reach new market and audiences in their native language and culture
• Present the business case to interested stakeholders, illustrating the tangible benefits of a culturally-nuanced approach 
• Develop novel ideas to support the establishment of a genuine connection with your audience, regardless of their background. 
• Engage with relevant communities and groups that can provide authentic insights and champion an organisation’s efforts to connect with their audience
• Build trust and rapport, cultivating long-term relationships with audiences through a thoughtful and sustained engagement approach
• Enhance brand relevance and relatability through native content and initiatives that speak your audience’s language, linguistically and culturally

So, are you ready to join us on this journey? Sign up for our waitlist and be a part of the movement to create a world where connection is possible, despite language and cultural differences. Together, let’s build a future where understanding reigns supreme.

The post Native Experience Marketing: A New Era in Communication appeared first on LEXIGO.

Co-creation and more compassion: key takeaways from the National Multicultural Health Conference 29 Dec 2023, 8:28 am

The buzz of excitement and anticipation filled the event hall on Monday evening as participants from across Australia gathered for the National Multicultural Health and Wellbeing Conference 2023.

The diverse mix of attendees could clearly be seen with hints of national dress across corners of the room. Even the food selection was diverse with canapes in the shape of falafel and arancini making their way around the hall. The unique landscape of Australia could be felt and visibly seen that night, with people from all walks of life coming together for one cause, accessibility of healthcare and wellness services for everyone in Australia, regardless of their background or language.

The evening was kicked off by a moving welcome to country by Elder Brandon Kerin. Following his introduction, Mary Ann Geronimo, CEO of FECCA, took to the stage to highlight the goals of the conference and what to expect over the coming days. Dr. Krishna Thiru, Medical Director at Pfizer Australia and Carrie Fowlie, CEO of Hepatitis Australia both delivered impactful speeches that brought to light the importance of ensuring accessibility in the health sectors and the grave dangers that multicultural communities face in not being able to understand the health information being shared with them. The evening set the tone for the rest of the conference with an air of understanding, compassion, and acceptance, which we saw reverberate in many forms across the next couple of days.

Day 1

Day 1 of the conference found the event hall packed bright and early with attendees registering and sharing their excitement over the upcoming talks and panels for the day. The opening address by Honorable Ryan Park MP, NSW Health Minister, Minister for Regional Health, recognised healthcare workers and organisations supporting multicultural communities across Australia while acknowledging that there’s still more work to be done. His speech served as a great segue to the plethora of panels that day which underscored the many ways the sector can serve CALD audiences.

Dr. Dinesh Palipana – Emergency Department, Gold Coast University Hospital – the second person with quadriplegia to graduate as a doctor in Australia, and the first with a spinal cord injury, also delivered an impactful opening keynote showcasing his personal experience in navigating the healthcare system following his accident. His story served as a reminder that healthcare is about more than just treating diseases. It’s about helping human beings from all walks of life.

“There are so many people in so many corners in our society who are so invisible and don’t have a voice… I hope through this conference, those who don’t have a voice will be given a voice.” – Dr Dinesh Palipana

LEXIGO’s Tony Lee makes the case for co-creation

Our very own Tony Lee, Head of Strategy at LEXIGO, took to the stage during the “My Experience Counts” Symposium, along with 5 other brilliant speakers, Linh Nguyen from the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, Koko Kalajian and Naw P Y Htoo, with Nina Chegini (Support) from Cultura, Cathy Butler from the Northern Sydney Local Health District, and Meredith Kay from BreastScreen NSW Northern Sydney Central Coast. The talk revolved around personal stories highlighting discrepancies in the healthcare system. Lee presented co-creation as a tool for change in healthcare communications, centring the multicultural experience as the foundation for how organisations engage and interact with CALD communities.

“If we want to address stigma we need to address shame, create a safe space and build family support through education.” – Tony Lee, LEXIGO

Gala night

The day turned into night and the Ivy Ballroom slowly filled up with participants dressed in their evening best for a night of music and dancing. The night featured multiple performances by multiple bands, including an African band, an Indian Dance Troupe, and an Aboriginal-Australian band that had everyone on the dance floor till closing time. The highlight of the evening was the paper lanterns set on every table for people to share their aspirations for Multicultural Health and Wellness in Australia. Some of the same messages were repeated with many having the same hope for the healthcare system in Australia to be a safe space for people of all backgrounds to receive equitable, safe and secure healthcare.

Day 2

Following a long night of dancing, the second day of the conference lent itself to a more relaxed day of talks. The morning started a little later with an opening speech by the Honorable Andrew Giles MP, Minister of Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs who spoke positively about the turnout for the conference, which served as a positive indicator of the importance of multicultural health. His speech shed light on the significant barriers that exist in the healthcare system today, highlighted by the pandemic over the last few years. The Minister also shared an interesting insight about the current bombardment in Gaza and Palestine having a very big impact on the health and well-being of many Australians, highlighting the collectivist nature of multicultural communities.

Nagham Al-Knani, Community Leader and Bicultural Worker, shared a keynote address in which she highlighted how, even after being in Australia for 15 years, she still feels like she doesn’t belong, bringing to light the work that still needs to be done in the sector. She shared shocking and sad examples of racism at her children’s school, and from a medical professional who wouldn’t allow her to translate for a new migrant. Nagham works across a range of organisations in Tasmania welcoming and helping new migrants with an aim to close the gap between refugees and the Australian community.

Closing

The conference, attended by more than 500 individuals, was a meeting of like-minded individuals with a common goal of equal access to healthcare for all Australians, regardless of background. The shared vision and passion for safe and equitable health and well-being for all could be felt in every session.

We’re so grateful to have particilated as one of the Major Sponsors of the conference as the Multicultural Communications Partner in this mission and will continue to herald the cause for all individuals across Australia.

The post Co-creation and more compassion: key takeaways from the National Multicultural Health Conference appeared first on LEXIGO.

Diwali: the festival of lights 30 Oct 2023, 5:53 am

Diwali is celebrated by millions of people worldwide, including Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. It is the most important annual festival in India, where 2.8% of Australia’s population was born.

Himanshi Munshaw Luhar is the founder of Foodie Trails and originally hails from Mumbai, the home of Bollywood on India’s western coast. Himanshi and her family are from the Gujarati ethnolinguistic group.

Diwali is a huge celebration for Himanshi and her family, with preparations starting weeks in advance and festivities lasting a few days. It is a time to spend getting together with family and enjoying good food and special desserts.

LEXIGO interviewed Himanshi about her Diwali experiences in Australia and India:

“For Gujarati people, celebrations include prayers and ceremonies to honour Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth,” says Himanshi.

New Year also falls during the Diwali festive period.

“On New Year’s Day, we perform the tradition called ‘counting houses’, where we visit older relatives to wish them a happy new year, and children receive envelopes with a small token amount of cash,” Himanshi explains.

“Then, on the day of Diwali, we have prayers, a big lunch, spend time with family and have more food at dinner time.”

“Traditionally, after sunset, there were firecrackers, but last time I was in Mumbai for Diwali (6 years ago), there were a lot less firecrackers, but everyone still hung out with family and had lots of food,” Himanshi shares.

“It’s a lot of spending time together, punctuated by prayer ceremonies. We also wear new clothes for Diwali or New Year’s Day.”

“Our outfits have to be traditional Indian clothes and not black or white – it’s very colourful.”

These traditions mean a lot to Himanshi, and it’s something she is trying to pass on to her children.

“Preparation at my mum’s house would start weeks in advance, making snacks to have sitting on the table so you can constantly graze. In Australia, we still try to get together with friends and family.”

“I make a point of cooking Indian desserts in my house with my kids to keep the connection. They don’t have to ask mum’s permission to eat dessert during Diwali.”

Food is a big part of Diwali celebrations and a highlight for passionate foodie Himanshi.

“In my region, my mum’s household is 100% vegetarian, but my siblings and I eat meat when we go out.”

“Mum would make a paneer dish, yogurt-based curries, little vegetarian samosas and puri, our deep-fried bread. My mum makes triangle-shaped puris – they’re rolled out, folded into triangles and fried,

and then you dip them in sauces. We also have a special Gujarati dish called Undihu, which is made in layers in a pot, then you turn it over.”

“There are also lots of fried snacks, including savoury and sweet fried dumplings and fafda, thick noodles that fluff up, kind of our version of chips. My husband’s side has Chakri, savoury spiralled rings made from steamed rice and wheat flour mixed with butter and spiced, then deep fried. There’s also lots of nuts – during Diwali, we give them as gifts and have them sitting on the table for visitors.”

“My absolute favourite dessert is Mohanthal – it’s made from chickpeas and ghee, sugar and milk is added, then it’s poured into a big tray then cut into pieces to make little pastries or cakes decorated with edible gold, pistachios and almonds.”

India is now the birthplace of the second-largest group of Australia’s overseas-born population after England, overtaking China and New Zealand in the 2021 Census. Australia’s Indian-born population has more than doubled in the last decade, increasing from 337,120 people in 2011 to 710,380 in the 2021 Census. Diwali celebrations in Australia have grown, too.

In India, we get public holidays for Diwali, so everyone has time to catch up, but in Australia it’s not a holiday, so we have to try to get time off from work and school or wait for the weekend to do a celebration.

“For years, I’ve hosted a Diwali get-together for friends and family, but this year, I’m working so I’m trying to find another time to celebrate.

“Generally here in Australia, people get together, drink alcohol (we don’t drink in India), enjoy lots of good food and try to go to the temple on New Year’s Day.”

“When I first moved to Australia nearly 20 years ago as an international student, we didn’t have established connections, so we Indian students got together to try to create the atmosphere of Diwali. The big Diwali celebration in Federation Square in Melbourne has been happening for a long time, and now there are Diwali celebrations in every local council; lots of communities create Diwali celebrations, so there are a lot more opportunities to celebrate even if you’re not as established in Australia.”

“We have lots of options, from kid-friendly activities to banquets, so you can pick and choose the kind of celebration you want to go to. They run over different dates, so you can always catch something.”

Still, I think in Australia, there’s much more scope for our various multicultural communities to embrace each other’s traditions, and so can workplaces. If you come across someone celebrating Diwali, don’t shy away from wishing them ‘Happy Diwali’ – we wish people ‘Merry Christmas’, so we love our special celebrations to be acknowledged too.

Himanshi Munshaw Luhar is the founder of Foodie Trails, which offers cultural food walks, festivals and events in Melbourne: foodietrails.com.au

By Sophia Dickinson

The post Diwali: the festival of lights appeared first on LEXIGO.

16 of the Most Endangered Languages in the World 29 Oct 2023, 10:28 pm

There are over 7,000 documented languages currently spoken around the world. However, that number is expected to steadily decline in the coming years.

Australia National University conducted a study in 2021 on endangered languages. While around half of the world’s 7,000 recognised languages are currently endangered, it is estimated that approximately 1,500 of these endangered languages could no longer be spoken by the end of the century. In this article, we explore some of the languages that are expected to disappear by the end of the century and the cultures we will be losing with them.

Ainu

The Ainu language is a critically endangered language primarily spoken by the Ainu people in Japan. Historically, the Ainu people lived in the northern regions of Japan, particularly Hokkaido, and parts of the Russian Far East.

The Ainu language has been under serious threat due to a long history of assimilation policies by the Japanese government, which aimed to suppress Ainu culture and language. The Ainu population was marginalised, and speaking their native tongue was actively discouraged in favour of Japanese. As a result, the number of fluent Ainu speakers has dwindled, and the language is now critically endangered. The language is believed to be spoken by only a handful of elderly people, approximately 10, who belong to the Ainu community.

Irish

The Irish language, also known as Gaeilge, is one of the official languages of the Republic of Ireland and holds a special place in the nation’s history and cultural identity. However, the Irish language faces the challenge of endangerment due to historical factors and language shifts.

For centuries, Ireland experienced colonisation and British rule, during which the use of English was encouraged while the speaking of Irish was suppressed. This historical context, coupled with the dominance of English globally, has led to a decline in native Irish speakers, especially in urban areas and among younger generations.

In recent years, the government has implemented plans to revitalise the language, including educational initiatives, bringing it back to be taught in schools.

Scottish Gaelic

Scottish Gaelic, also known as Gàidhlig, is primarily spoken in Scotland, as well as in immigrant communities in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Canada. Like many minority languages, Scottish Gaelic is endangered due to a complex interplay of historical and sociocultural factors.

Gaelic was the principal language of Scotland; however, rebellions in the 17th and 18th centuries resulted in it being persecuted. By 1972, it was essentially banned in schools nationwide due to the Education Scotland Act. This led to a significant decline in native speakers, with older generations being the primary preservers of the language. Although efforts have been made to promote Scottish Gaelic in recent years, including its inclusion in primary schools and their corresponding high schools, the number of fluent speakers remains relatively low.

The language is considered endangered, and its survival depends on continued revitalisation efforts and the transmission of the language to younger generations.

Cappadocian Greek

Cappadocian Greek, or Cappadocian, was historically spoken in the region of Cappadocia in central Turkey, which was once home to a thriving Greek community. However, it is now on the brink of extinction. Cappadocian Greek’s endangerment can be traced back to the late 19th century when a significant population exchange took place between Greece and Turkey, leading to the dispersal of the Greek-speaking population.

It was discovered in the early 2000s that the language had gone underground with elderly speakers in Larissa and Thessaloniki. Today, there are 1,000 – 2,000 speakers of this language, making it a critically endangered language under UNESCO, meaning it can become fully extinct in our lifetime.

Rapa Nui

The Rapa Nui language is used on Easter Island, a volcanic island in the South Pacific Ocean. It is the native language of the Rapa Nui people, who are indigenous to the island. Despite its unique cultural and historical significance, Rapa Nui is a critically endangered language, with less than 3,400 native speakers left.

The language’s endangerment is primarily due to the geographical isolation of Easter Island, which has limited interactions with the outside world. As a result, the younger generations on the island are increasingly exposed to and using Spanish, the dominant language of Chile (Easter Island is a Chilean territory), for education and daily communication. This shift towards Spanish has diminished the use of Rapa Nui among the island’s residents, making it more common on special occasions and cultural events rather than everyday life.

Saami

Saami, often called Sami or Saami, is a family of Uralic languages spoken by the Saami people, who primarily inhabit the northern regions of Scandinavia, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia.

The Saami languages, with their rich linguistic diversity, are endangered as a result of the historical assimilation and suppression of Saami culture and languages by national governments, particularly in Norway and Sweden. This led to the discouragement of Saami-speaking and the adoption of dominant national languages. There are around 25,000 – 35,000 speakers of this group of languages left in these Northern regions.

One of the Saami languages, Ter Sami, is nearly extinct with only 30 native speakers worldwide. Ume Sami, which also belongs to this family of languages, is moribund, with approximately 20 speakers. It is spoken in the Ume River Valley, an area encompassing parts of northern Sweden and Norway. It is completely extinct in Norway and almost extinct in Sweden.

Mudburra

The Mudburra language is an Aboriginal Australian language primarily spoken by the Mudburra people in Northern Australia, specifically in the Barkly Tablelands region in the Northern Territory.

The younger generations within the Mudburra community are increasingly adopting English as their primary language for education and communication, which has led to a significant decline in the number of native speakers. Additionally, historical factors, such as the impact of residential schools and the pressure of dominant Western culture, have contributed to the erosion of indigenous languages, including Mudburra.

That being said, the language might actually be growing now. Australia’s 2006 census estimated that there were 47 speakers left, but the 2016 report showed an increase to 92 speakers of Mudburra at home.

Urum

Urum is a Turkic language spoken by ethnic Greeks who live in a few villages in Georgia and Southeastern Ukraine. This Turkic language is considered to be a variant of Crimean Tatar, originally spoken in the south of Crimea. In recent years, there has been a deviation from teaching children Urum to more common languages of the region, leaving a limited number of new speakers in younger generations. Currently, it is estimated that there are between 10,000 – 99,000 native speakers of this language worldwide.

Southern Paiute

The Southern Paiute language is a member of the Southern Numic branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family. This Native American language is spoken by the Native American Southern Paiute people, primarily in southwest Utah, northern Arizona, southern Nevada and northwest New Mexico, in the United States.

Over the years, Southern Paiute communities have faced cultural assimilation and the suppression of their native language through various policies, including the establishment of boarding schools that attempted to eliminate Native American culture. This led to a decline in native speakers and a shift towards English. The last count in 2010 found that there are around 1,640 speakers left; however, most of the speakers are over 50 years old.

Yarawi

The Yarawi language is a dying language spoken in the Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea. It belongs to the Binanderean family to the Trans-New Guinea phylum of languages. While the language was in use throughout the 20th century, today, there is only one last living speaker of the language. Natives are now more popularly using the language of Binandere instead.

Hawaiʻian

Hawaiʻian was the native language of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, which had a language literacy rate of more than 90%. However, after the takeover of the monarchy in 1896, speaking Hawaiʻian was discouraged, and the official language was replaced with English. Native speakers of the Hawaiʻian language dwindled as a result.

However, the Hawaiʻian Renaissance in the 1970s sparked a renewed interest in the native language, and efforts to promote the language re-emerged. Hawaiʻian language immersion schools were created in the mid-1980s to reintroduce the language to the island’s future generations. A 2016 state government report found that more than 18,000 people living in the state speak Hawaiʻian, as well as English, at home, a massive increase from the 2,000 native speakers they had in the 1970s.

Potawatomi

The Potawatomi language, spoken by the Potawatomi people in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, is critically endangered. This verb-based language is characterised by long words and a lot of sounds that make it difficult to learn.

In recent years, the number of first-language Potawatomi speakers has declined to 10, most of whom are close to 70 years old. This small group of speakers includes only those who learned Potawatomi as their mother tongue at home and then learned English later in life. However, there are Potawatomi speakers who are teaching the language to others. Many Potawatomi tribes also have language programs open to anyone interested in learning the language.

Te Reo Māori

Te Reo Māori, the native language spoken by the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, is classified as a threatened language. Te Reo Māori’s endangerment can be traced back to the historical impact of British colonisation, during which the language was marginalised and suppressed in favour of English. Up until the 1980s, the Te Reo Māori language, along with anything to do with Māori culture, was banned. As a result, the language started dying out, with only 5% of young Māori people speaking the language in the 1970s. However, with efforts by the Māori, backed by the government, more than 25% speak it now.

Coptic

The Coptic language, the direct descendant of the ancient Egyptian language, is classified as an endangered language. The endangerment of Coptic can be attributed to several factors, including centuries of Arab-Islamic rule and the gradual Arabisation of Egypt. The suppression and marginalisation of Coptic culture and language, coupled with the widespread use of Arabic, have led to a decline in the number of Coptic speakers.

Although Coptic isn’t spoken much in communities, it is still the official language of the Coptic Orthodox Church and Coptic Catholic Church in Egypt. Their church services are conducted in Coptic, which means that parishioners need to have a general understanding of the language to follow along. The churches have also begun offering courses in Coptic to help revive the language. Its prevalence in the church ensures that there are several fluent speakers of the language in Egypt today.

Jeju

The Jeju language, or Jejueo, is the native language of the people of Jeju Island in South Korea. The language isn’t widely spoken, and it is estimated that there are only around 5,000 fluent speakers left.

The Jeju language has been on the decline as a result of the Jeju uprising and the Korean wars back in the mid-1900s. Since then, it is estimated that only a small percentage of the elderly population on Jeju island speak the language. Interestingly, Jeju uses the same alphabet as standard Korean but cannot be understood by Korean speakers.

Gagauz (Bessarabia)

Gagauz is a Turkic language spoken by small communities in several parts of Eastern Europe. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Gagauz speakers moved to the Bujak area, a region located in the south of the Republic of Moldova. Today, Bujak is the main area where Gagauz is spoken. There are also some communities speaking the language in Odesa, Ukraine and near Varna, Bulgaria. Smaller Gagauz settlements were also found in Romania, Serbia and Central Asia. In the Bujakarea of Moldova, there are around 115,000 speakers, but in most communities, the language is not being taught to children, and its usage is gradually declining.

The Future of Endangered Languages

While the survival of these languages is crucial for the preservation of indigenous cultures, history and identity, as it stands, there is no guarantee of the continuation of many minority languages. However, more and more language preservation efforts are being made worldwide to combat language endangerment and keep our linguistic diversity alive. With the efforts of linguists around the world, there is a continued hope for many languages to remain alive for as long as possible.

The post 16 of the Most Endangered Languages in the World appeared first on LEXIGO.

Lost in Translation: 16 of the Biggest Translation Fails 23 Oct 2023, 4:07 am

Global expansion is no longer just a consideration for most businesses but rather a necessity.

Businesses from Australia to Japan and England to the US are all looking for a larger market share, more customers and higher revenue. More times than not, that usually means expanding beyond your current market. Global growth requires taking into account multiple factors, such as the market’s local needs, preferences and expectations.

Translation is one consideration of many that can make or break a business when expanding globally. A good translation allows for a seamless transition, while bad translations can cause significant damage to a company’s reputation. In this article, we’ll explore 16 real-life examples of translations gone bad, how they were resolved and how to avoid these mistakes in your own business.

What makes a translation bad?

While translation isn’t an exact science, there are key factors to consider that can determine whether a translation is good or bad.

A bad translation typically falls into one of these translation traps:

• Fails to accurately express the meaning of the original text
• Strays away from the tone or style of the original text
• Contains grammar, spelling or punctuation errors in the target language
• Incorporates outdated or inappropriate terminology
• Sounds unnatural or awkward in the target language

The Impact of Bad Translation

A poor translation can have many negative effects on a business, such as:

A confused or offended audience

If a translation has negative connotations in the target language, customers can be put off the brand or business. The poor translation might even turn into a negative perception of the business.

A loss in sales or potential opportunities

A bad translation can be associated with a lack of care or professionalism on behalf of the business. This could lead to a loss of potential customers who may prefer taking their business to a competitor that has put in the effort to ensure their translations are up to par.

Additional costs to fix the error

Most times, when a translation has gone wrong, the business needs to fix the mistake, investing more money and time into something that should’ve been done and dusted. For products, this could also mean pulling the product off the shelf and reproducing it with the correct translation which could lead to a loss in product as well as time.

Legal liabilities

In some cases, translation errors can lead to legal liabilities, such as an offended group filing a lawsuit claiming damages. Companies can end up paying a high price for an error that could’ve been easily avoided.

16 Real-Life Translation Errors

Translation mistakes can happen in a range of industries and fields. From marketing campaigns, video games, product names, and instruction manuals, there are plenty of places where a bad translation can be found. We’ll explore a range of blunders, from those that sound like a botched Google Translate job to those that were just a misunderstanding of local cultures and traditions.

After all, translation is so much more than just using the right words, but rather having an understanding of the country, its people and its traditions. In all the translation mistakes though, we see a company that probably would’ve rather invested just that little bit more for a professional translator or language service provider with a fail-proof method that involves humans, rather than machine translation.

“Pepsi Generation” brings your ancestors back from the grave

In the 1960s, Pepsi’s slogan, “Come Alive With the Pepsi Generation,” landed in China with very negative reactions. This slogan for the advertising campaign had been inadvertently translated to “Pepsi brings your relatives back from the dead,” which didn’t go over very well with the local audience.

Taking “Got Milk?” too far

The American Dairy Association’s iconic “Got Milk?” campaign, which was incredibly successful in its native language, among English speakers, found some challenges when it was eventually taken to Mexico. The literal Spanish translation for “Got Milk?” reads as “Are you lactating?” which is definitely not the message that they were trying to convey. Luckily, they found the translation mistake early and quickly changed the messaging.

Parker Pen won’t get you pregnant

Assumptions in language can sometimes lead to the worst translation fails, or the best, depending on how you look at it. When Parker Pen expanded into Mexico, their slogan which usually reads as “It won’t leak in your pocket and embarrass you,” was mistranslated into “It won’t leak in your pocket and make you pregnant.” The verb “to embarrass” was mistaken for “embarazar” a false cognate in Spanish, which actually means to be pregnant.

“Do Nothing” with HSBC Bank

In 2009, HSBC launched a campaign with the tagline “Assume Nothing.” However, when they launched the campaign in non-English speaking countries, it turned out to be too complex of a phrase for the usual translation process and was mistakenly translated into “Do Nothing” in several different countries, causing massive problems which the bank reportedly spent 10 million dollars to replace the problematic tagline with “The World’s Private Bank.” Marketing messages are some of the most complex to translate because of the creative aspect ingrained in them. Simple phrases are best for an easy translation, otherwise, transcreation might be a better option to avoid embarrassing mistakes.

“FARTFULL” at IKEA

Swedish brand IKEA is known for their unique product names. Instead of using product codes to label the products, they opted for Swedish names that illustrated a key feature of the product. For non-Swedish speakers, the names are just words that sound cool, that is until the FARTFULL workbench came along. Fartfull’s root word, FAHRT, which means “travelling in a vehicle with wheels,” made sense in Sweden, but the English association with flatulence was not well-received in the United Kingdom. The product was eventually taken off the market after people worldwide had a good laugh. A good lesson for global brands to always consider the local language when putting products out in foreign markets.

Source: Facebook | Talk Lingo

Loose Bowels with Coors

American beer company Coors decided to use a slang slogan for one of their campaigns which unfortunately got a lot of unwanted attention. The beer maker’s “Turn it loose” campaign took to Spain and they didn’t do their due diligence in the translation process to check if it would resonate with customers. The tagline translated into Spanish used an expression that’s commonly interpreted as “suffer from diarrhea,” which got a lot of attention from the local market, just not the right kind of attention.

Laundry Soap Encourages Hurling

Paxam, an Iranian company, expanded into English-speaking countries with its laundry soap. They referred to the product as “Snow” in their Farsi marketing campaigns. Unfortunately, they went with a phonetic translation which had the labels reading “Barf.” I’m sure that’s not the impression they wanted to leave with foreign markets.

Save Money with XBOX

When Microsoft released the XBOX gaming console in Germany, they made the mistake of not translating their store listings and other auxiliary materials correctly. This left them with a slew of translation errors that caused a stir in the German gaming community. The most noteworthy mistranslation was the term “Save” (as in storing something) being mistranslated as “Save Money.”

A Bright Future with Orange

Not all translation errors are about the words themselves. Sometimes it’s an error in localisation and a lack of cultural awareness for a specific country or region. This was the case for Orange, a UK telecom company, that launched a new campaign in 1994 with the slogan “The future’s bright… the future’s Orange.” While the tagline seems simple, it didn’t go over well in Northern Ireland, where the colour orange represents the Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organisation. The slogan implied that the future is Protestant. In a country that’s mostly Catholic, this was problematic for the target audience.

Before it was Honda Jazz

In 2001, Honda introduced their latest car, the Fitta to the Nordic countries. They were in the process of launching and had produced all their marketing collateral when someone within Honda discovered that the word “Fitta” is a vulgar word that refers to female genitals in Swedish, Norwegian and Danish. The ad for the car didn’t help either, describing the car as “small on the outside, but large on the inside.” It was too late to save the expense of the wasted marketing material but fortunately early enough to not do damage to the Honda brand as the car hadn’t publicly launched yet. The Honda Fitta was renamed to Honda Jazz in Europe, parts of Asia and Australia. It was renamed to Honda Fit in the US and China.

Bite the Wax Tadpole in China

In the 1920s, when Coca-Cola was first translated phonetically for the Chinese market, the phrase read as “Ke-kou-ke-la.” When translated the phrase meant “bite the wax tadpole,” which doesn’t sound very appetising for a soft drinks brand. Coke then modified the translation to “Kokou Kole,” which translates as “happiness in the mouth.” Much more appropriate!

Eat Your Fingers Off at KFC

The Chinese market seems to be at the receiving end of bad translations quite a bit. Another brand that had to quickly do damage control in China is KFC. When they first launched in the market in the 1980s, their famous tagline, “Finger Lickin’ Good,” was translated to “Eat Your Fingers Off.” Not a very appetising message for a fast-food chain. Fortunately, the mistake didn’t scare off too many customers. By 2011, KFC made up about 40% of the fast-food industry in China.

Amazon Making Headlines with Mistranslations

In 2020, Amazon launched in Sweden. Unfortunately for them, instead of getting positive PR for their launch, they were left with a mess of criticism for multiple major translation errors, including mistaking the Argentinian flag for the Swedish flag and using automatic translations for listings from other European branches of the retailer. This led to mistranslated product descriptions that ranged from hilarious to obscene.

Nintendo Switch games were listed as suitable for the Nintendo Circuit Breaker. A collection of Second World War-Era Russian Infantry figurines was wrongly translated to “Russian Toddlers.” Items featuring cats were hit the hardest though with one T-shirt with a cat on it being labelled with a vulgar Swedish term for female genitals.

When Vicks went Dirty

Vicks, the popular cough medicine, ran into a little trouble when Proctor & Gamble introduced it to the German market. The letter “V” is pronounced as “F” in Germany, making the brand name sound like an English expletive. The name “Wicks” was considered at first but that was a homophone of another German slang word. The company eventually decided on the name “Wick” for German-speaking markets.

Mercedes Benz Rushes to Die

Chinese translation seems to be a sore spot with a lot of huge companies, including Mercedes Benz. The language has a large number of identically sounding characters making it easy to make a mistake that could change the meaning of your name completely, which is exactly what happened with Mercedes Benz when it first launched in the Chinese market in 2009. The first translation of their name meant “rush to die,” which isn’t the message you want associated with a car. The name was changed to a phrase that meant “to run quickly (as if flying)” which is more fitting.

Coca-Cola Greets Death

Sometimes trying too hard to localise your marketing messages can end up in a failure of epic proportions, especially when working with rare target languages. It happened to Coca-Cola in 2018 when they tried to mix 2 languages from New Zealand, English and te reo Māori, New Zealand’s indigenous language.

Coca-Cola advertised “Kia ora, Mate” on a vending machine in New Zealand. Unfortunately, the combination translates into the native language as “Hello, Death.” Definitely not what Coca-Cola wanted to promote. The error sparked a wave of outrage online with people tweeting messages like, “The Coca-Cola company gains self-awareness?” and “Totally spot on it does mean death for a lot of Indigenous people” in reply to Coca-Cola’s translation gaffe.”

The incident probably won’t cause too much damage for huge companies like Coca-Cola but could wreak havoc and generate massive expenses for smaller companies.

Getting Translation Right

Translation is so much more than just translating words from one language to another. There’s a lot to consider when expanding to foreign markets beyond just the local language. There are cultural nuances, religious beliefs, and political and economic ideologies that might need to be considered.

Opting for professional translation services that will do their market research is essential to help understand the culture of a country and make your brand relevant to the audience. It can also help ensure that you have accurate translations that will resonate with the locals, rather than having them in stitches laughing over the latest translation blunder in your advertising campaign. Choosing the right translation partner ensures that your brand, marketing campaigns, and products are accurately represented in different languages.

At LEXIGO, we use professional human translators who are assisted by AI to help speed up the translation process without the hiccups of mistranslations. We also have Community Liaison Officers who are entrenched within diverse communities and can advise on localisation for each market. Our tools and services can help any brand reach its preferred audience in the right way. Next time you’re on the lookout for translation, let us know and don’t let your brand become the next “lost in translation” story!

The post Lost in Translation: 16 of the Biggest Translation Fails appeared first on LEXIGO.